GSC Logistics names new president in restructure

posted by AJOT | Dec 16 2020 at 10:01 AM | Intermodal

David Arsenault becomes first non-family member to run port trucking giant

Family-owned GSC Logistics has chosen a non-family member for the first time as president at the port trucking giant. The firm today ap- pointed veteran freight transportation executive David Arsenault to head day-to-day operations in a leadership restructuring. It said Mr. Arsenault would report to GSC Logistics CEO and founder Scott Taylor.

“We’re bringing in a prominent industry leader to build upon the solid foundation we’ve established,” said Mr. Taylor, who had been president since starting Oak- land-based GSC Logistics in 1988. “With David’s leadership and supply chain expe- rience we’ll increase the scope of our services to customers and implement strategic growth plans that could include expansion into new markets.”

GSC Logistics said Mr. Arsenault would begin Jan. 4 and manage all aspects of com- pany operations. The firm contracts with 275 truck drivers who transport containerized cargo on the U.S. West Coast. It’s the largest freight hauler at the Port of Oakland, controlling more than 12 percent of the business there. GSC Logistics has a significant presence in the Pacific Northwest and operates facilities near seaports in Oakland, Se- attle and Tacoma.

Mr. Arsenault has spent 34 years in transportation and served as first western presi- dent at container shipping line Hyundai Merchant Marine. Mr. Arsenault moves to GSC Logistics from DCLI, where he was chief strategy officer for the largest U.S. provider of chassis used for hauling cargo containers over the road. Previous career stops included marine terminals and third-party logistics companies.

“Joining the GSC Logistics team represents a tremendous opportunity for me,” said Mr. Arsenault. “GSC Logistics has set the bar high in establishing the most forward-looking approach to drayage and logistics services in the business.”

Mr. Arsenault’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the industry. A global pandem- ic is disrupting supply chains and placing stress on West Coast harbor truckers. Freight haulers are confronting a surge in containerized imports driven by U.S. consumer spending and demands for personal protective equipment.

GSC Logistics said it’s maintaining a 99 percent daily request fulfillment pace, despite a 15 percent increase in volume. The company said it expects to set an all-time volume record in 2020, and again in 2021.

GSC Logistics said restructuring would help address the loss of its late Chairman, An- dres “Andy” Garcia, who died in June of a heart attack at age 72. According to GSC Logistics, Mr. Taylor will become Chairman and remain as CEO.

The company announced additional leadership team appointments as part of its re- structuring, including: